Elissa’s demeanor transformed instantly, her maternal smile blooming as she crouched to examine Locke’s freshly scrubbed hands and cherubic features.

“Absolutely spotless—what exceptional work! You’re such a responsible little gentleman,” she praised, her voice radiating genuine affection.

Gathering him into her protective embrace, she lifted his small frame effortlessly. “Shall we return home? Your homework awaits, doesn’t it?”

“Yes!” Locke replied with enthusiastic agreement.

With Locke secured in her arms, Elissa deliberately avoided acknowledging Robin’s stunned presence.

Mother and son departed in animated conversation, their voices fading as distance grew between them and the paralyzed observer.

Robin remained rooted in place, his expression cycling through waves of shock and incredulity while Elissa’s silhouette diminished into the afternoon haze.

Barely audible, words escaped his lips. “She bore a child… Could that boy possibly belong to Mr. Flynn?”

Chaos reigned within his thoughts, fragments of memory and speculation colliding without resolution.

Robin squeezed his eyes shut, desperately trying to organize the overwhelming revelations into coherent understanding.

Without warning, his eyes flew open as a devastating truth crystallized in his consciousness, draining all color from his stricken features.

Later that evening, well past eight-thirty, Elissa completed Locke’s bedtime routine with maternal precision, lingering until his breathing settled into the peaceful rhythm of slumber before quietly leaving his room.

Sebastian maintained his patient vigil by the entrance, prepared to escort her back to the sanctuary of Lion Bay.

The moment she settled into the vehicle’s leather interior, Ernest’s name illuminated her phone screen with an incoming call.

gα?ησν?s．?оm takes you away

“Elissa,” his familiar voice carried through the speaker.

“Yes,” Elissa acknowledged, her voice deliberately neutral, betraying no emotion.

“What’s your current location? Are you returning to Lion Bay?” Ernest inquired with practiced consideration. “Given the hour, I assume Locke has already been tucked in for the night.”

“Correct. I’ve just left the Flynn Mansion,” Elissa confirmed, compressing her lips thoughtfully. “What about your plans? Will you be staying at the hospital overnight?”

“Not tonight,” Ernest responded with quiet determination. “She’s taken her prescribed medication and should fall asleep soon. Once I confirm she’s resting peacefully, I intend to drive to Lion Bay.”

“For what purpose?” Elissa’s question carried equal measures of teasing and mild reproach. “The hour is already quite late.”

“The evening is still young,” Ernest countered, his voice dropping to an intimate register that carried unmistakable longing. “I’ve been consumed with thoughts of you. I need to see you tonight.”

Elissa compressed her lips, fighting the flutter his words provoked. “Do as you wish, then. I won’t sacrifice my rest waiting for your arrival. If sleep claims me first, don’t expect me to answer the door.” Updates are released by FιndＮovel.net

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